How much snow does Sochi get annually? What mountain will host ski competitions? We've compiled a list of everything you need to know about the upcoming winter games, which officially kicks off on Friday.

Located at the same latitude as the French Riviera, and having the benefits of being sheltered by the Caucasus against air from the north and Siberia, Sochi enjoys a very mild climate.

The entire coastal area bordering the Black Sea south of Tuapse, including Sochi, has a humid subtropical climate.

Winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing, however, temperatures can plummet below the freezing mark when a northerly wind called the Bora can affect the region for several days.

Sochi can also feel the effects of a Foehn wind which behaves much like a Chinook.

In the summer, temperature average highs are between 26°C and 28°C.

In the winter, snow and frost are possible in Sochi, Abundant rainfall occurs throughout the year with an annual average of 1644 mm with November and December being the wettest months.

Courtesy: Wikipedia

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SNOW

Snow falls between December 5 and March 8, with the heaviest amounts typically seen between January and late February.

Courtesy: Weather Spark

SOCHI OLYMPIC STADIUM, FISHT

Courtesy: Google Maps

The drive from the Sochi Olympic Stadium to the slopes is about bout 52 km or 54 minutes by car.

Krasnaya Polyana will be the main mountain used in competitions. This area is an urban centre about 600 m above sea level on the banks of the Mzymta River. It is surrounded to the south by Mount Aibga which is 2380 m high and to the northeast by the Mount Tchougouch (3238 m).

Krasnaya Polyana is located 60 km from the centre of Sochi and 40 km from the airport linked by express railway. The airport is located at the mount of the Mzymta.